In the construction of large-scale underwater interconnection projects for submarine engineering, the underwater wet-mateable hybrid optoelectronic connector is a key component. To break the monopoly of foreign technologies and products and achieve self-reliance and controllability, the paper analyzes its key technologies and develops the product.

The paper employs key technologies such as isobaric balance, rotary sealing, oil-filled cable sealing connection, multi-stage guided precise docking and position recognition, non-contact optical contacts, and fiber core adjustment to develop an underwater wet-mateable hybrid optoelectronic connector. The connector is subjected to high-pressure underwater mating and unmating tests, oscillation and tension tests of oil-filled cables, and maximum offset mating and unmating tests. Additionally, the paper conducts simulation analyses on the critical static and dynamic sealing issues of the underwater wet-mateable connector, as well as the contact pressure during dynamic mating and unmating processes.

The test results show that the insertion loss (0.5 dB) and insulation resistance (≥50 GΩ) of the connector are qualified after 100 times of plugging and unplugging under the pressure of 45 MPa. Tensile capacity and end connection reliability of oil-filled cable cone sealing structure meet the requirements. The simulation analysis results indicate that during the dynamic mating and unmating process of the underwater wet-mateable connector, the contact pressure of the rolling shaft is always greater than the water pressure, ensuring dynamic sealing and preventing leakage. For static sealing structures, when the water pressure is 70 MPa, there will be no seawater leakage into the equipment interior. However, as the gap increases, the deformation, stress, and contact pressure of the Oring with the wall surface all show an increasing trend. For dynamic sealing structures, the faster the pin movement speed, the greater the seawater pressure, and the greater the leakage amount.

The obtained results in the paper can provide theoretical guidance for the design of underwater wet plugin optoelectronic hybrid connectors.